Business Assistance

The Business Assistance Office provides information and technical assistance to business owners related to air quality rules and regulations. The program offers courtesy site visits, rule interpretation and education, on-site training and a formal case review process for violations.

Courtesy Site Visits

A courtesy site visit is an opportunity to identify potential areas of non-compliance at a permitted facility without conducting a formal compliance inspection. No violations are issued from courtesy site visits; rather, businesses are urged to make corrections or adjustments to their practices in order to achieve compliance with department regulations. Currently, some industries are proactively contacted to offer courtesy site visits. However, any current air quality permit holder may request a courtesy site visit at any time by contacting the Business Assistance Office.

Rule Interpretation and Education

In order to help facilities understand their obligations under the air quality rules and regulations, the Business Assistance Office offers rule education and guidance. This helps regulated facilities understand how specific rules apply to their facilities and how future changes to their business may be impacted by air quality regulations.

Resources and Training

In addition to courtesy site visits, the Business Assistance Office can provide more in-depth resources and training related to a specific industry, process, or equipment. This typically takes the form of a sit-down meeting or a presentation to the facility who requested the training. Industry-specific help sheets, record keeping templates and training videos are also being developed. Please note the Rule 310 Dust Control Training is offered by the Compliance Division, not the Business Assistance Office.

Enforcement Case Review

In the event that an Opportunity to Correct (OTC) or a Notice of Violation (NOV) is issued during an inspection, the permit holder has the option to request an Enforcement Case Review. During a case review, the Business Assistance Coordinator conducts an independent and objective review of the violation and makes a recommendation to the Department to affirm, modify, or rescind the violation. An Enforcement Case Review may be requested by completing the Enforcement Case Review Form.